If you’ve just installed Windows 10 or Windows 11, the next question is always the same: now what? Where do you get drivers, which apps are safe to install, how do you download Hindi fonts, and what’s the right way to handle .RAR files, .NET, and other dependencies so your PC feels truly “ready”?
In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through everything you should do right after a clean install of Windows—without shortcuts. I’ll explain the why behind each step, give you safe official links, and add helpful tips learned from setting up dozens of systems. We’ll also include a handy FAQ, plus tags and hashtags at the end.
1) ✅ Before You Begin: A Few Baseline Checks
So far we’ve done a clean install—great job! Before moving ahead, let’s steady the ground:
- Stable internet: Preferably wired Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi for smooth driver and app downloads.
- Power: If you’re on a laptop, keep it plugged in to avoid interruptions during updates.
- Microsoft account (optional): Some features (OneDrive, store apps) work best when signed in, but local accounts are fine too if you prefer privacy.
If Windows asked you to sign in with a Microsoft account and you didn’t want to, you can convert to a local account later from Settings → Accounts → Your info.
2) 🖱️ Show Desktop Icons (This PC, Control Panel, etc.)
After a fresh Windows 10/11 install, your desktop looks… empty. Let’s bring back the familiar icons.
Windows 10 & 11 (same steps):
- Right-click the Desktop → Personalize.
- Go to Themes (left sidebar).
- Click Desktop icon settings (on the right).
- Tick what you need: Computer (This PC), Control Panel, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin.
- Apply → OK.
- Right-click desktop → View → Auto arrange icons (optional) to keep things tidy.
- Press F5 to refresh if you don’t see changes immediately.
Little touch: Pin Settings and Control Panel to Start for quick access.
3) 🌐 Install Browsers & Essential Utilities (The Smart, Safe Way)
Let’s move to the next step—getting your everyday apps quickly, safely, and without bloat.
Option A: Ninite (bulk, no crapware)
- Go to https://ninite.com
- Tick the apps you want (e.g., Chrome, VLC, 7-Zip, Notepad++, Everything, SumatraPDF).
- Click Get Your Ninite to download a tiny installer.
- Run it as admin; Ninite will auto-download from official sources and skip toolbars/bundles.
- Re-run the same Ninite file anytime to auto-update selected apps.
This is likely what the original “98.com” referred to. Ninite is the long-trusted name here.
Option B: Winget (built-in package manager)
- Open Terminal (as admin) or PowerShell.
- Sample commands:
winget install Google.Chromewinget install VideoLAN.VLCwinget install 7zip.7zipwinget install Notepad++.Notepad++
Option C: Official Sites (direct)
- Google Chrome: https://www.google.com/chrome/
- VLC media player: https://www.videolan.org/
- 7-Zip: https://www.7-zip.org/
- Notepad++: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/
- Everything Search: https://www.voidtools.com/
Tip: Avoid third-party “download portals” (adware risk). Stick to official links, Ninite, or winget.
4) 🧑💼 Microsoft Office: Legit Options & Safer Alternatives
Now, the big question from almost everyone: “Where do I get MS Office?” You have three safe routes:
A) Microsoft 365 (Recommended for most)
- Official: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
- Subscription includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, 1TB OneDrive, and constant updates.
- Sign in → choose a plan → download Office installer.
B) One-time purchase (no subscription)
- Office Home & Student (perpetual license for 1 PC, fewer apps than 365).
- Official store/install handled by Microsoft. Pricing varies by region.
C) Free, Compatible Alternatives
- LibreOffice (excellent DOCX/XLSX/PPTX support): https://www.libreoffice.org/
- OnlyOffice (great UI and MS Office compatibility): https://www.onlyoffice.com/
⚠️ Avoid grey-market “₹200 keys”: They’re often resold volume keys and can get deactivated. For reliability, stick to Microsoft or reputable retailers only.
Install Steps (Microsoft 365 example):
- Purchase or sign in at microsoft.com/microsoft-365.
- Go to Services & subscriptions → Install Office.
- Run the installer; it fetches and installs the latest apps.
- Sign in when prompted to activate.
5) 🈴 Hindi & Regional Fonts: Safe Sources and Install Tips
So far we’ve done a good job setting up core apps—now let’s make sure typing and reading Indian languages works smoothly.
Recommended, Modern Fonts (Safe & Free)
- Noto Sans Devanagari / Noto Serif Devanagari (Google):
https://fonts.google.com/noto/specimen/Noto+Sans+Devanagari - Noto families also cover Bengali, Gujarati, Gurmukhi (Punjabi), Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, etc.
These are actively maintained, Unicode-compliant, and render beautifully on modern systems.
Legacy/Traditional Fonts (e.g., Kruti Dev)
Some offices still ask for Kruti Dev–encoded documents (non-Unicode). If you must use them, ensure you download from a trusted source and understand encoding limitations. Whenever possible, prefer Unicode fonts (like Noto) for long-term compatibility.
How to Install Fonts (Windows 10/11)
- Download the .ttf/.otf files.
- Right-click a font → Install (for current user) or Install for all users.
- Open Word/Notepad → find the font in the list.
- If fonts don’t show, restart the app.
Bonus: For typing in Hindi with standard layouts, enable the Hindi (Devanagari) keyboard:
Settings → Time & language → Language & region → Add a language → Hindi → Add.
Then switch with Win + Space.
6) 📦 Open RAR/ZIP/7z Files: The Right Tool
You’ll eventually hit a .RAR or .7z archive. Windows natively extracts .ZIP, but for everything else, use:
- 7-Zip (free, open source): https://www.7-zip.org/
Install & Use:
- Download the correct build (64-bit is typical).
- Install with defaults.
- Right-click any archive → 7-Zip → Extract Here or Extract to “Folder\”.
Tip: In 7-Zip File Manager → Tools → Options, associate file types (.rar, .7z, .zip) so double-click just works.
7) 🔄 Drivers & OS Updates via Windows Update (Don’t Skip This)
Windows Update is your first stop for stable drivers and core components.
- Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
- Install Feature updates (e.g., Windows 10 22H2) and Quality updates.
- Click Advanced options → Optional updates → Driver updates.
- Select relevant drivers (e.g., Intel, Realtek, AMD, NVIDIA) and install.
Why this matters: Microsoft-provided drivers are vetted for stability. This step often resolves 70–80% of missing drivers after a clean install.
Update Cycle Tip: After big chunks finish, restart when prompted, then check again. Two or three passes are normal on day one.
8) 🧩 Chipset, Graphics & Audio from OEMs (Intel/AMD/NVIDIA/Realtek)
For best performance (especially graphics) go beyond Windows Update:
- Intel Driver & Support Assistant: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html
- AMD Auto-Detect (graphics): https://www.amd.com/en/support
- NVIDIA GeForce Drivers: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
- Realtek Audio (often via your laptop/PC vendor support page is best)
Order matters:
- Chipset (Intel/AMD)
- Integrated graphics (Intel/AMD)
- Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA/AMD)
- Audio (Realtek)
- LAN/Wi-Fi (Intel/Realtek/Qualcomm) if Windows Update didn’t cover it
- Touchpad/Hotkeys (use your OEM support page for model-specific utilities)
Pro move: Visit your manufacturer’s support page (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, etc.), enter your exact model, and install BIOS/UEFI and firmware updates they recommend for your unit.
9) 🧱 .NET Framework & Runtime: What You Need and When
Many apps rely on .NET. Windows 10/11 usually bundle .NET Framework 4.x and enable on demand components like 3.5 when an app asks. Still, it’s smart to know where things live.
- Turn Windows features on/off (for .NET Framework 3.5):
Control Panel → Programs & Features → Turn Windows features on or off → .NET Framework 3.5 → check it → OK. - Latest .NET Desktop Runtime (for modern apps) can be installed from:
https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet
If Windows Update shows .NET Framework 3.5/4.8 updates, install them—they improve compatibility and security.
10) 🧹 Finishing Touches: Defaults, Restore Points & Housekeeping
We’re almost there. Let’s lock in a clean, stable baseline.
A) Set Default Apps
- Settings → Apps → Default apps
- Set your default Browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox).
- Set default Photo/Music/Video apps if you prefer VLC/Photos/etc.
B) Create a Restore Point
- Search Create a restore point → open System Properties.
- Select your system drive → Configure → Turn on system protection (set 3–5%).
- Click Create → name it “Post-Install Baseline”.
C) Turn On File History or Backup
- Settings → Accounts → Windows backup or use File History / OneDrive.
- External backup (weekly) is smart for irreplaceable docs/photos.
D) Optional Tweaks
- Disable startup bloat: Task Manager → Startup apps → Disable what you don’t need.
- Power Plan: For desktops, Balanced or High performance (if needed). For laptops, keep Balanced to save battery.
- Privacy settings: Settings → Privacy & security → review toggles you don’t want.
11) ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. I don’t see “Desktop icon settings” in Windows 11. Where is it?
A. It’s still under Personalization → Themes. Scroll the right pane; you’ll find Desktop icon settings there.
Q2. Is Ninite safe?
A. Yes—Ninite downloads direct from official vendors, skips junkware, and refuses bundled offers. It’s widely used by IT pros.
Q3. Should I install drivers from third-party “driver updater” apps?
A. Avoid them. Use Windows Update, your OEM’s support page, and official vendor tools (Intel/AMD/NVIDIA). Third-party driver tools often cause instability.
Q4. My Office budget is tight. Are ₹200 keys okay?
A. Those are usually unauthorized resales and can get deactivated. For peace of mind, use Microsoft 365 or LibreOffice/OnlyOffice.
Q5. Can I use Kruti Dev for Hindi?
A. Only if an organization specifically demands it (legacy, non-Unicode). Prefer Unicode fonts like Noto Devanagari for modern workflows and compatibility.
Q6. Windows Update says 22H2 is pending forever. What do I do?
A. Reboot, ensure enough free space (15–20 GB), temporarily disable antivirus, and try again. If it still fails, use Windows 10/11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s site.
Q7. Do I need .NET Framework 3.5?
A. Only if software asks for it. Enable it from Windows Features when prompted. For new apps, .NET Desktop Runtime is more relevant.
Q8. Where do I get audio drivers?
A. Most systems use Realtek; the best source is your PC/laptop manufacturer’s support page for your exact model so you get the correct audio enhancements.
Q9. My Wi-Fi/Bluetooth isn’t working after install.
A. Hard-wire via Ethernet if possible, run Windows Update to pull base drivers, then install chipset + wireless drivers from your OEM page.
Q10. What about antivirus?
A. Microsoft Defender is excellent for most users. Keep Windows updated, use common sense with downloads, and you’re well-protected.
12) ⚠️ Disclaimer
- Links above point to official vendor sites where possible. Always verify you’re on the correct domain before downloading.
- Hardware models vary; for system-specific drivers and BIOS/UEFI, use your manufacturer’s official support page.
- Avoid grey-market or pirated software. Besides legal risk, such tools often carry malware or get deactivated unexpectedly.
Tags
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Hashtags
#Windows10 #Windows11 #PCSetup #Drivers #Ninite #Winget #7Zip #Microsoft365 #LibreOffice #HindiFonts #Noto #Realtek #Intel #AMD #NVIDIA #DotNet
Final Word: Take it one section at a time. Start with Windows Update, then grab your browser & essentials via Ninite or winget, set up Office (or a robust free suite), add Hindi/Indian language support, and finish with OEM drivers and restore points. Do this once, carefully, and your Windows 10/11 PC will feel stable, fast, and ready for real work.
